Changing faces.

Date:
1998
  • Videos

About this work

Description

Can cosmetic surgery change the outlook of children with Down syndrome? We meet 4-year-old Georgia Bussey whose mother believes she will be bullied less at school if she has surgery on her eyelids, ears and tongue. Peter Bell is 44 and is well known in his community despite having Down Syndrome but he longs to fall in love and be 'normal' looking. He's already had surgery on his eyes but he hopes to have surgery on his entire face. In the US full cosmetic surgery is readily available for children with Down Syndrome. We see Michael Morris as he has major facial reconstructive surgery performed by surgeon Ken Salyer, an expert in cosmetic surgery on Down Syndrome children in the US. In the UK Georgia undergoes surgery at the hands of craniofacial expert Norman Waterhouse. The question is whether or not surgery will ultimately change the future of these children. It is clear during an interview that Peter has very unrealistic expectations about changing his face surgically, believing it will 'cure' his Down syndrome and ease his sense of social loneliness.

Publication/Creation

UK : ITV, 1998.

Physical description

1 videocassette (VHS) (60 min.) : sound, color, PAL

Notes

Broadcast on 24 November, 1998

Copyright note

Yorkshire Television Ltd.

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores
    4009V

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